IQA - Teaching Assistant

About Us

We at Best Practice Network share the belief that every child, regardless of their background, should benefit from an excellent education. To achieve that, we support and train the educational professionals who work alongside them to be the best they can be, so in turn, they can transform the lives of children and young people. We are a friendly, DfE accredited, Ofsted outstanding training company providing apprenticeships, professional development and the DfE's 'Golden Thread' (trainee teachers to school Executive Leaders). We are adaptable, collaborative, and genuinely value the work we do to support the education sector, as much as our trainees do. Our people are at the heart of our business and our passion and commitment to education is what drives us. As a result, we have seen incredible growth over the last few years both nationally and internationally. We aim to be an employer where everyone can be themselves, do their best in an inclusive working environment and where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives.

About the Role

As an Internal Quality Assurer, your primary role is to ensure the high quality of apprenticeships we deliver that support teaching. You will focus on driving innovation in formative assessment strategies and providing continuous support to tutors, fostering a collaborative and learner-centred environment. Working within Apprenticeships, Thrive and Quality departments, you will identify areas for improvement, ensuring compliance with awarding bodies and regulators such as Ofsted and the DfE. The role is key to enhancing our provision and supporting assessors in maintaining consistent, high-quality teaching and learning outcomes. You will coach tutors, fostering professional growth and collaboration to ensure we deliver outstanding results for our learners.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct quality assurance and improvement activities in line with the IQA strategy and awarding body requirements, focusing on formative assessment.
• Develop and implement risk-based sampling plans, ensuring alignment with IQA strategy.
• Innovate and refine assessment processes, integrating best practices that enhance learner engagement and progression.
• Provide constructive, supportive, and timely feedback to tutors on formative assessments, encouraging creativity and learner-centred approaches.
• Collaborate with tutors to develop action plans that promote continuous improvement and learner engagement.
• Ensure compliance with DfE funding rules and internal quality standards, driving continuous improvement throughout the learning journey.
• Participate in External Quality Assurance (EQA) visits and maintain Awarding Organisation compliance.
• Lead standardisation activities, fostering collaboration to share best practices and ensure consistency across the programmes.
• Monitor Functional Skills progress, portfolios, gateway agreements and End Point Assessments (EPA) to support timely learner completions.

Tutor Development and Support

• Provide mentoring and coaching to Apprenticeship Tutors, focusing on innovative formative assessment practices.
• Facilitate ongoing development for Apprenticeship Tutors and delivery team including induction training and continuous professional development (CPD), ensuring they meet teaching and assessment standards.
• Support tutors in completing Assessor and IQA qualifications, helping to develop their professional practice and ensuring compliance with teaching and assessment standards.
• Engage in reflective practice and seek feedback for personal and professional growth.
• Monitor and ensure that continuous professional development (CPD) and industry days are completed and embraced by the Apprenticeship Tutors.
• Work collaboratively across departments to develop and implement quality improvement strategies.
• Share best practices and innovative assessment approaches through team meetings, cross-departmental projects, and external collaborations.
• Engage in regular CPD events, standardisation activities, and professional development to keep up with industry changes and regulatory updates.
• Contribute to the development of the Self-Assessment Review and Quality Improvement Plan, ensuring the provision consistently meets the needs of learners and employers.

Administration

• Ensure the accurate and timely completion of learner onboarding documentation in the BUD system.

Equality, Diversity & Safeguarding

• Support and promote Best Practice Network's commitment to equality, diversity, and safeguarding across all interactions with learners, staff, and visitors.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Officer for your regional team of Apprenticeship tutors.

About You

Qualifications, Skills & Competencies:

• Teaching and Learning qualification (Level 4 or above).
• Occupational Competence at Level 5 or above in Teaching.
• Level 5 or above management/Leadership Qualification.
• Assessor and Internal Verification qualifications (e.g., TAQA, A1, D32/33 awards).
• Extensive experience in quality improvement and assurance within apprenticeships.
• Strong communication, and coaching skills, with an ability to provide motivational and developmental feedback.
• Familiarity with regulatory bodies such as Ofsted and the ESFA/DfE.
• Commitment to professional development and staying updated on best practices and regulatory standards.
• Comprehensive knowledge of ESFA funding rules, Ofsted's Education Inspection Framework, and other relevant quality standards and regulatory requirements.
• Have a clear understanding of national developments within the Education and apprenticeships sector and End Point Process.
• Ability to analyse and interpret data effectively, identify trends, and make evidence-based recommendations for improvement.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to provide clear, constructive feedback and build effective working relationships.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Experience in leading standardisation and moderation activities.
• Proficiency with digital learning platforms and assessment tools, with experience in technology-enhanced learning.
• Have strong IT skills and experience working across a range of software packages, including Microsoft 365, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.

Benefits

• 28 days holiday and get an extra day for each year you stay with us, up to max 33 days PLUS bank holidays.
• We pay for a Healthcare Plan once you've passed probation, which includes access to a private GP.
• From day 1, free life insurance covering up to x4 your salary.
• We'll both add money into your pension pot after 3 months.
• Get 25% off online learning resources for year 1 to GCSE with EdPlace.
• Choose what flexible benefits you want after you've passed probation - this could be buying extra holiday, dental, topping up your healthcare plan, bikes, gym membership, electric cars and give as you earn.